Chapter 102: Chapter 102

"Will she accept a Mafia in her life? This is the first time I've ever been so terrified just thinking about it," Abeer's heart raced as he contemplated the consequences of revealing the truth.

"Did you know that overthinking is harmful to your health?" Khushi's voice came from behind, causing him to turn and interrupting his train of thought.

"Oh! I wasn't thinking about anything," Abeer tried to come up with an excuse.

"Really? Then maybe you were ignoring me when I called your name from the kitchen a few minutes ago," Khushi raised an eyebrow.

"Sorry, I didn't hear you. I was just lost in my thoughts," Abeer stumbled while trying to explain himself.

"See, you just admitted that you were preoccupied with your thoughts," Khushi said, crossing her arms.

"Oops!" Abeer slipped, realizing he had been caught red-handed.

What were you thinking so deeply, Arnan? Is there something bothering you?", Khushi questioned, sitting beside him, keeping her hand on his shoulder.

"Umm.. Yes.. Actually I was thinking what steps I would take to help you overcome your nightmares.", Abeer raised the topic, to know about Khushi's opinion on that issue.

"Frankly speaking, you don't have to worry about that. It's my headache and I will solve it sooner or later. You just concentrate on your health right now.", Khushi responded making Abeer hurt with her words.

"Oh! You mean the way you care and look after me is just a favor on me. And I have no rights on you so I won't bother about your health.", Abeer said sternly.

"No.. I mean.. No way.. You are taking me wrong. All I want to say is that right now your health is my first priority. My nightmares and issues can wait. After all these things were not new for me. I am suffering from them since a long time.",Khushi admitted looking at the Floor.

" Why they could wait? Why your health is second priority and mine first? Just because you think like that. That's why? ", Abeer questioned, looking at her.

Khushi had long been devoid of such closeness and care since leaving her family. She could vaguely recall being pampered by her parents before her mother's untimely death when she was too young to retain clear memories.

However, after her stepmother entered her life, things took a drastic turn. She became a target of constant humiliation and abuse. No one showed her any genuine concern. Her biological father was preoccupied with building his business empire, while her stepmother and stepbrother treated her like prey, always ready to pounce.

"I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you with my words. You see, I've never experienced this level of care and concern from someone since my mother passed away. We may have started as strangers, but now you've become more like family to me. Do you know why?" Khushi asked, locking eyes with him.

"Why, Khushi?" Abeer inquired, maintaining their intense gaze.

"Because from the very first day you entered my life, everything changed. Before I met you, I was merely going through the motions, as if I didn't have anyone to look out for, no one to eagerly await my return after work, no one to care for me or worry about me when I fell ill or felt afraid. I had no one to shield me from the demons lurking outside. It felt as though I was living a life of orphanhood until I met you," Khushi confessed, tears welling up in her eyes.

Shh, there's no need to cry. Didn't I tell you that you look so ugly  when tears fall from your eyes? Abeer gently wiped away her tears, redirecting her thoughts.

"No, you didn't... Wait, what? What did you say?" Khushi asked, catching onto Abeer's words, her expression changing.

Abeer winced, feigning pain as Khushi started playfully hitting his chest. "Ouch! That hurts," he exclaimed, playing along.

Khushi couldn't help but smile at his reaction, not realizing that Abeer's plan to bring a smile to her face had succeeded through her own actions.

"Don't worry, my love. I know we are no longer strangers to each other. I fell in love with you even before I realized it myself. From now on, you won't have to face any troubles alone. I promise in my heart that any problem in your life will have to go through me first before reaching you. I will ensure that tears and sadness no longer have a place in your life, and your infectious smile will never leave your side. Now that you have me in your life, I will do anything to make you happy and see you smile. Even if it means sacrificing everything, I will do it without hesitation," Abeer silently vowed to himself, seeing her radiant smile.

**

Liam was engrossed in his laptop, focused on his work when his mobile suddenly started vibrating. Without looking at the screen, he instinctively answered the call.

"Hello... Who is this?" Liam questioned absentmindedly, his eyes fixed on the laptop screen.

"Bella," came the reply.

"Bella who?" Liam asked, still preoccupied with his work.

"You've forgotten me so soon, Mr. Liam?" Bella complained, capturing his attention.

Only then did Liam realize that he had become so immersed in his work that he had completely forgotten about Bella.

"Oh! I'm really sorry, Bella. I was just caught up with some urgent tasks," Liam apologized immediately, regretting his oversight.

"It's okay, but as a working woman myself, I don't easily forget someone," Bella replied, hurt evident in her words.

"Please forgive me... I..." Liam's sentence was interrupted as Bella cut him off.

"I called to inform you that the girl I mentioned earlier has scheduled a doctor's appointment for tomorrow, so there's a good chance your boss will accompany her. You might have the opportunity to meet him. That's all I wanted to tell you. Thank you for taking my call," Bella stated briskly, ending the conversation before waiting for a response.

Liam stared at the mobile screen, realizing that his words had deeply hurt Bella. "It seems my words really hurt her," Liam murmured, a sense of remorse washing over him.